A few members have asked how I've been getting on with the R8, so I thought I'd do a little
update.
Firstly, this is to those people who say "you dont drive and R8, thats an Audi supercar"....
I suggest you do some reading!!!
The Holden Specialist Vehicles get hold of a Holden VE Commadore chassis, and create the
HSV Clubsport R8. (imported as a Vauxhall VXR8 into the UK, and rapidly debadged by most owners!)
Ive done just over a 1000 miles since getting the car, half of which where taking her for a
annual service! Currently has 5300 miles on the clock. I'll tell you a little more about the
garage later.
Interior -
Im a lanky git. But even my lanky friends can fit in behind me easily. And the seats are a perfect combination of comfort and support. Not to mention the fact that they can be adjusted in more ways than I can count. Also each of the 2 keys, can be programmed to specific seat positions, also the dash cluster information is key specific too.
Stereo is really good, and sound quality is miles better than the BOSE in the Zed. Although the lack of an RDS system can be frustrating. 6CD multi changer, and an ipod input!
Some of the plastics used could be of a higher quality I feel, but then you can say that about most cars I guess.
Has no problems pairing with my ip4 via bluetooth.
Performance -
Its taking me some time to "learn" how to drive this car. Its a very different beast to the Zed. Big lazy V8, redlining at 6500rpm. But the instant power thats available is brutal. Ive been lucky enough to get her onto a private road, and test various accelerations. In 5th, from 60 to 90mph is lightening quick. Something I always thought the Zed let down on. But thats the nature of the beast I guess.
On the twisties, the suspension gets confounded by quick changes in direction, and really dislikes off camber bends. New suspension time I think. Was planning on lowering anyway.
The standard exhaust sound is a major letdown. But I this car is developed to be an everyday car for many, so best that can be said about it is that its unobtrusive. Again, I shall be replacing (with a 105db system!)
If Im honest, Im missing my Zeds uniqueness at the moment. and the sound she made. As much as the R8 turns heads still, and confusing many people as to what she is, I feel the lack of customisation options (below £2k!) is something that will take me time to get used to.
But for now, that smile I get when planting the right foot is more than enough to offset any doubts I may be having.
Im gunna say this next bit, because people are inevitably going to ask. But honestly, I dont care about the economy of this vehicle. I bought it eyes wide open, knowing it was a 6.2l V8, and wasnt gunna be cheap to run. (although insurance is only £100 more than the 350z was)
If I drive like I hired her, we're looking at around 200 miles to a tank. (circa £75 to fill with Vpower at £1.20), but that is properly using low gears and full revs alot of the time.
Motorways, cruising, I can easily get 300 miles (as proven today on trip to garage) which is better than my RX8 could do!
Service today was done by Monkfish Performance down near Milton Keynes, if you own a HSV, this is pretty much the only place to be (except Walkinshaw Performance).
Arrived this morning, and was able to watch them perform the full service. Doing all the things you assume a spotty YTS kid is doing at the dealers, but is likely just signing off a tick box sheet.
Half the price of a dealer service, twice the customer service. And even with the 400 miles round trip in petrol, it was still cheaper than taking it to a dealer in Newcastle.
Anyways, there could be stuff I havent mentioned that you people may like to know, or comparisons you want made, so just ask. I'll see what I can do.
PS. not quite sure what happened with the formatting, but cba to fix it)
